(The Center Square) – FEMA has come to the aid of wildfires in the Carolinas, supplying Polk County with a Fire Management Assistance Grant.
The Trump administration’s response via the funding will cover up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs. Field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies, mobilization and demobilization activities for fighting the fire are among the types of eligible costs.
“This grant will cover 75% of the cost of fighting the wildfires, ensuring that our local agencies aren’t left to shoulder the financial burden alone,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, R-N.C. “It’s a win for our region, and it shows what’s possible when federal and local leaders work together.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – when disaster strikes western North Carolina pulls together. We also need Washington to have our backs. That’s why I’ve been in close contact with the Trump administration, FEMA, and other agencies to make sure the full weight of the federal government is behind our recovery.”
The Carolinas are plagued by several major fires. The N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services said on Saturday 48 fires are burning 97.7 acres. For the month, 1,613 fires have burned 12,287 acres. This year to date, 3,241 fires have burned 16,471 acres.
